While Trump Tries To Throw The U.S. Climate Agenda Into Reverse, Leading Businesses Speed Forward

There was a reason why the EDF offices were sprinkled with M&M’s this week, and it wasn’t just to lift staff spirits after Trump’s Executive Order. Mars, Incorporated was the first major brand to speak out in favor of the Clean Power Plan and continued U.S. leadership on climate change, and others soon followed suit.

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Mars, Incorporated was the first major brands to speak out in favor of the Clean Power Plan.

This week, a who’s who of leading brands all publicly recommitted to staying the course on fighting climate change and investing in clean energy – Mars, Anheuser-Busch, Nestlé, General Mills, Apple, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, General Electric, the Gap and Walmart all weighed in following the announcement of Trump’s executive order to roll back the Clean Power Plan.

“Strong clean energy and climate policies, like the Clean Power Plan, can make renewable energy supplies more robust and address the serious threat of climate change while also supporting American competitiveness, innovation, and job growth.” Apple, Amazon, Google and Microsoft in a joint statement reported by Bloomberg.

“We believe that investing in a low-carbon economy will not only help foster a healthier environment, it is also a key to unlocking new business growth potential for the US and around the world.” Gap Inc.

"Cutting back on fossil fuels is good for the environment and good for business, and we are committed to helping drive positive change," Anheuser-Busch InBev

While the attack on the Clean Power Plan is alarming news, there is still a long battle ahead before these crucial environmental safeguards are rolled back. Just as the Clean Power Plan went through a long regulatory process to be put in place, the administration must go through a similar process to repeal it. And, Scott Pruitt’s Environmental Protection Agency must come up with a plan to replace it. This is where businesses can and must continue to weigh in.